Evaluating the Impact of Smog Emergency Policies on Air Quality and Public Perception by Using Geospatial Technologies: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan

Air pollution, particularly smog, poses a significant global health threat, with Pakistan experiencing annual smog episodes starting in October. This study examines air quality in Lahore, frequently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, focusing on the effectiveness of government initiatives like the Smog Emergency and Health and Environmental Emergency. By analyzing changes in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollutant concentrations (NO ₂ , SO ₂ , O ₃ , CO, PM _2.5 ) before, during, and after implementing emergency policies, we assess their impact on air quality. Data was sourced from the AQI platform and Sentinel-5P satellite through its Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and analyzed using Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Pro for spatial visualization. While modest improvements were noted during the emergencies, particularly in SO ₂ levels, these were short-lived, with significant increases in NO ₂ and SO ₂ post-emergency. Ozone levels slightly decreased post-emergency, while CO trends varied. Additionally, a survey revealed that most residents perceived no improvement in air quality during the emergency and experienced disruptions to their daily lives and financial losses. Despite low satisfaction with government actions, many expressed conditional support for future initiatives, indicating a need for more sustainable approaches to smog control.